Photo by: BEARSDEN PHOTOGRAGHY
Four Aggies Set to Compete in the Main Draw of Australian Open
Jan 16, 2026 | Men's Tennis
MELBOURNE – Four former Texas A&M All-America tennis players take on the main draw at the Australian Open starting Saturday, January 16.
The Maroon & White are represented by two seeded players, Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot, who faced off in the Shanghai Masters finals last year. Vacherot took home the title after defeating former teammate and cousin Rinderknech, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.
Rinderknech earned the No. 24 seed, facing off against Fabian Marozsan at 6 p.m Sunday. The two met last year at the ATP Paris, with Rinderknech defeating Marozsan, 7-6(5), 7-6(4). Vacherot is seeded No. 30 and will take on Martin Damm in his opening match at 6 p.m Sunday.
"I think it shows how good the path at A&M is to improve and get players ready for the ATP circuit," Rinderknech said. "The fact that the coaches are willing to train young tennis players the right way benefits a lot in the future. It's nice to have a little bit of the 2018´s team reunion in Melbourne."
Patrick Kypson earned a wildcard spot by winning the USTA's Australian Open Wild Card Challenge. Last year he won four Challenger titles and will now face Francisco Comesana in the opening round at 9 p.m. Saturday.
"It's amazing to have 3 Aggies and two of my former teammates in the main draw of a slam," Kypson said. "I think it's a testament to our development in our college years and the coaching staff and environment in College Station."
Former doubles No. 1 and French Open doubles champion Austin Krajicek will be competing in the doubles draw, with the bracket to be announced Saturday before competition starts at a later date. Joining him are Rinderknech and Vacherot, who will be competing as a pair in the doubles draw.
"Australian Open is always a special time for our Aggie players," head coach Steve Denton said. "It is the beginning of a new year of tennis, and everyone is trying to get off to a great start. I'm super-excited to see three of our guys in the main draw of the singles and a couple in doubles as well. Val, Arthur and Patrick had amazing success at the end of last year which should propel their confidence in 2026. I'm really proud of all our former Aggie players!"
FOLLOW THE AGGIES
Visit 12thman.com for more information on Texas A&M men's tennis. Fans can keep up to date with the A&M men's tennis team on Facebook, Instagram/Threads and X by following @AggieMTEN.
The Maroon & White are represented by two seeded players, Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot, who faced off in the Shanghai Masters finals last year. Vacherot took home the title after defeating former teammate and cousin Rinderknech, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.
Rinderknech earned the No. 24 seed, facing off against Fabian Marozsan at 6 p.m Sunday. The two met last year at the ATP Paris, with Rinderknech defeating Marozsan, 7-6(5), 7-6(4). Vacherot is seeded No. 30 and will take on Martin Damm in his opening match at 6 p.m Sunday.
"I think it shows how good the path at A&M is to improve and get players ready for the ATP circuit," Rinderknech said. "The fact that the coaches are willing to train young tennis players the right way benefits a lot in the future. It's nice to have a little bit of the 2018´s team reunion in Melbourne."
Patrick Kypson earned a wildcard spot by winning the USTA's Australian Open Wild Card Challenge. Last year he won four Challenger titles and will now face Francisco Comesana in the opening round at 9 p.m. Saturday.
"It's amazing to have 3 Aggies and two of my former teammates in the main draw of a slam," Kypson said. "I think it's a testament to our development in our college years and the coaching staff and environment in College Station."
Former doubles No. 1 and French Open doubles champion Austin Krajicek will be competing in the doubles draw, with the bracket to be announced Saturday before competition starts at a later date. Joining him are Rinderknech and Vacherot, who will be competing as a pair in the doubles draw.
"Australian Open is always a special time for our Aggie players," head coach Steve Denton said. "It is the beginning of a new year of tennis, and everyone is trying to get off to a great start. I'm super-excited to see three of our guys in the main draw of the singles and a couple in doubles as well. Val, Arthur and Patrick had amazing success at the end of last year which should propel their confidence in 2026. I'm really proud of all our former Aggie players!"
FOLLOW THE AGGIES
Visit 12thman.com for more information on Texas A&M men's tennis. Fans can keep up to date with the A&M men's tennis team on Facebook, Instagram/Threads and X by following @AggieMTEN.
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